Yesterday, 03:51 pm
Sky News

Disability charities have expressed anger after a number of parents complained that a one-armed children's TV presenter was frightening their kids.

Cerrie Burnell, who was born with one arm, began co-presenting Cbeebies 'Do And Discover' slot with Alex Winters last month.

She has a broad range of success as an actor, both in the theatre and on television.

But parents on online forums have claimed she 'frightens' their children.

Poster Barry wrote: "Is it just me, or does anyone else think the new woman presenter on Cbeebies (Cerrie Burnell) may scare the kids because of her disability?

"I didn't want to let my children watch the filler bits on the bedtime hour last night because I know it would have played on my eldest daughter's mind and possibly caused sleep problems... and yes, this is a serious post."

Other posters suggest the BBC employed Miss Burnell to 'score points' and accused the channel of positive discrimination.

But the vast majority of comments have offered support to the presenter, who they describe as 'lovely' and 'talented'.

"As for Cerrie, I think her being 'disabled' ensures that children are exposed to 'different' people and situations," wrote 'Caligula' on the Digital Spy forum.

Sue Stokes, from the charity Reach, said they were appalled by the negative reaction.

"We are appalled that parents are talking on behalf of their children," she said.

"Children don't notice the differences. The parents need to think about how they would feel if it were their child born without an arm.

"It is great for children with disabilities to see people like them on the television."

A BBC spokesman said nine official complaints had been made about Miss Burnell, who has a four-month-old daughter.

CBeebies controller Michael Carrington said she is 'warm and natural'.

"It's a big ask to entertain millions of children every day," he said.

"We think that in time all mums and dads and children will love her as much as we do."

Miss Burnell was disappointed by the criticism but welcomed the discussion.

"It can only be a good thing that parents are using me as a chance to talk disability with their children," she said.

"It just goes to show how important it is to have positive disabled role models on CBeebies and television in general."

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/5/20090223/tuk-one-armed-cbeebies-host-scaring-chil-45dbed5.html

I'd let my kids (If I had any!) watch that show. It saddens me that some parents don't see this as a golden opportunity to teach their children that some people are born different, but that's OK. We're all God's children. What's next, are these parents not going to allow the little boy with Down syndrome or the little girl with the cleft palate anywhere near their child for fear they might terrify him or her?

well this isn't a matter of discrimination and i can see the parent's point of view...however, if the show is scaring their children, they can just turn off the tv. there's nothing offensive or inappropriate about having one arm.

well this isn't a matter of discrimination and i can see the parent's point of view...however, if the show is scaring their children, they can just turn off the tv. there's nothing offensive or inappropriate about having one arm.
Exactly - no one's forcing them to watch.

i don't understand the fuss whatsoever. it is sad however that there are some people in this world who feel offended by somebody because they have just one leg or arm. big deal. these people deserve the same opportunities as able bodied people like ourselves. i think it is a good idea seeing as it is important for children to realise that just because one is physically disabled, doesn't make them out to be a freak of some sort. they should be treated the same like everyone else.

it is sad however that there are some people in this world who feel offended by somebody because they have just one leg or arm. big deal.

:clap :thanks: I think judging someone by a disability is just as wrong as judging someone by their race, religion, or gender. These parents are doing their children no favors by turning off the TV and not discussing disabilities with them.

I have an eye condition called coloboma. One eye is glass (real eye had to come out as a baby) and the pupil of my other eye is shaped funny. I work with children and the appearance of my eyes has never scared any of them. Some have been curious and asked questions, which I answer honestly, but most don't seem to notice or care.